Studies of Immunological Abnormalities Following Burn Trauma.

摘要

Studies were performed to determine the temporal sequence of humoral abnormalities which occur following burn trauma, their relationship to the severity and type of burn injury and to the occurrence of sepsis. Serum opsonic activity for Escherichia coli 075, conversion of C3 by inulin, total hemolytic complement (CH50), levels of native C3, factor B, C3 inactivator (KAF), properdin (P), and immunoglobulins (Ig) were determined in 14 patients with burns involving 13% to 91% body surface during 6 to 8 weeks postburn. In the 12 uninfected patients, levels of IgG and IgA were reduced during the first 10 days postburn and decreased concentrations of P and IgM were demonstrated from 3 to 6 weeks postburn. C3 conversion was reduced from 10 days to 6 weeks postburn. Levels of C3, factor B, and KAF were normal or elevated for the entire study period. No difference in the occurrence of humoral abnormalities was noted in patients with burns caused by flame, immersion scald, or acid contact. Methodology was developed for measuring the in vitro interaction of normal human serum and peripheral leukocytes with Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterium mortiferum.